Hi guys, on my website, I already wrote an article about safe areas in Munich for first-timers (I will put the links to it at the end of this article). In today’s article, I will help you to find the best places to stay in Munich for Christmas Markets.
I will provide you with a list of what I believe are the best areas to stay in Munich for Christmas Markets, along with a helpful map. I’ll also share where I stayed in Munich and recommend some of the best hotels in Munich for Christmas Markets for all budgets.
Munich has many christmas Markets, but some of the best Munich Christmas Markets in 2023/ 2024 (include location and date) are:
- Munich Christkindlmarkt Marienplatz (27th Nov – 24th Dec)
- Christmas Village at the Munich Residenz (23 Nov – 22 Dec)
- Christmas Market at the Sendlinger Tor (27th Nov – 23th Dec)
- The Middle Ages Market at Wittelsbacherplatz (27th Nov – 23th Dec)
- Christmas Market at the Chinese Tower (24th Nov – 23th Dec)
- Schwabing Christmas Market at Münchner Freiheit U-Bahn station (1st Dec – 24th Dec)
- Pink Xmas at Stephansplatz (27th Nov – 23th Dec)
- Haidhausen Christmas Market at Weißenburger Platz/ French Quarter (27th Nov – 24th Dec)
The markets usually open in the late morning and close in the evening. Plan your visit during these hours to fully enjoy the experience.
Munich can get quite cold in the winter, so dress in layers and wear warm clothing. Don’t forget a good coat, gloves, a hat, and a scarf.
Munich’s Christmas markets offer a wide array of traditional German foods, including sausages, pretzels, roasted chestnuts, and gingerbread cookies. Be sure to try some of these delicious treats.
You can try Glühwein, which is a hot, spiced wine that is a staple of German Christmas markets. It’s served in decorative mugs and is a delightful way to keep warm while enjoying the festivities.
The markets are a great place to shop for unique, handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and souvenirs. You’ll find a wide variety of stalls selling everything from wooden toys to hand-blown glass ornaments.
Many markets have live music, performances, and entertainment for visitors. If you’re traveling with kids, the Christmas markets often have rides, games, and activities to keep them entertained.
While larger vendors may accept credit cards, it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand, especially for smaller purchases.
Christmas markets can get quite crowded, especially on weekends and in the evenings. Be prepared for crowds and be mindful of your belongings.
Munich is served by Munich Airport (Flughafen München), located 30 km away from the center. From the airport, you can take a taxi, shuttle, or public transportation to the Old Town.
Munich has an excellent public transportation system including trains, trams, and buses. You can consider using it to reach the Christmas markets, as parking can be difficult to find and expensive during the holiday season.
Where to stay in Munich for Christmas Markets?
The best areas to stay in Munich for Christmas Markets are Altstadt-Lehel/ Old Town, Maxvorstadt, Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt, Au-Haidhausen, and Schwabing. These are central and well-connected locations, so you’ll have easy access to all markets on foot and by trains.
Altstadt-Lehel is the most popular area in Munich for Christmas markets because it has the highest concentration of markets. Staying here will put you right in the heart of Munich, a short walk from major markets such as the Christkindlmarkt Marienplatz, Christmas Village, and Middle Ages Market.
Maxvorstadt, just north of the Old Town, is known for its cultural attractions, including the Alte Pinakothek and the Neue Pinakothek art museums. It’s within easy reach of many Christmas markets.
Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt is home to the Theresienwiese, where Oktoberfest takes place, and it’s also not far from the city center. It has a vibrant nightlife scene and offers more budget accommodations while still having easy access to Christmas markets.
Au-Haidhausen offers a quieter, more local atmosphere, cheaper accommodations while still being conveniently located near the city center. The Gasteig cultural center and the beautiful riverside walk along the Isar River are nearby.
Schwabing is a lively, artistic district known for its vibrant atmosphere, cafes, and boutiques. It has its own Schwabing Christmas Market and is well-connected by public transport for more markets in the city center.
During my trip to Munich, I stayed at the 4-star Platzl Hotel – Superior in the Old Town area of Munich. It has a central location and is very well-connected to public transportation, making it a great base to explore the city and christmas market. Easy walk to Marienplatz Square and Viktualienmarkt Market.
Below is a map of the popular areas in Munich for Christmas Markets. You can scroll down to view the live map.
Let’s get into the details of the recommended areas to stay in Munich for Christmas Markets. I’ll provide you with some suggestions for the best places to stay in each area, catering to every budget.
All hotels in Munich have been carefully selected by me, with guest review scores of at least 8.0 or higher at the time I chose them. If you don’t like my suggestions (perhaps they don’t suit your budget or preferences), you can click the “MORE HOTEL DEALS” button where you can choose your own hotel.
5 Best areas to stay in Munich for Christmas Markets:
1. Altstadt-Lehel/ Old Town
Altstadt-Lehel (Old Town), without a doubt, is one of the best places to stay in Munich for Christmas markets. Its central location and excellent connections to public transportation, making it a great base for exploring the city and the Christmas markets.
You’ll be located within walking distance from central markets such as the ones at Marienplatz, Munich Residenz, Sendlinger Tor, Wittelsbacherplatz, and Pink Xmas at Stephansplatz.
This area is rich in historic charm, with landmarks like the Frauenkirche, the Viktualienmarkt, and the Residenz. You can explore these beautiful sites while enjoying the holiday atmosphere.
The old cobblestone streets, traditional architecture, and the enchanting atmosphere of the Old Town create a magical setting for Christmas. You’ll feel like you’re in a winter wonderland.
Altstadt-Lehel offers a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and bars, allowing you to experience both traditional Bavarian cuisine and international fare.
However, keep in mind that staying in Altstadt-Lehel during the Christmas season can be more expensive due to its central location, and it tends to be crowded. So, it’s a great choice if you prioritize being close to the heart of the holiday festivities and don’t mind the potential crowds and higher prices.
Best places to stay in Munich Old Town for Christmas Markets:
- Luxury ($$$): Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski München, 5-star hotel centrally located in Old Town Munich, within short walk/ train ride from all major christmas markets in Munich including the ones at Marienplatz Square, Munich Residenz, and Wittelsbacherplatz. It has Very good breakfast, paid airport shuttle services, and an indoor swimming pool.
- Mid-range ($$): Hotel Torbräu, popular 4-star accommodation in central Altstadt-Lehel only 5 mins walk from christmas market at Marienplatz Square. Easy access to Isartor S-Bahn Train Station for trains to other markets, as well as Messe Exhibition Centre and Airport. It offers Fabulous breakfast arriving to guests’ reviews and 24-hour front desk.
- Budget ($): Hotel MIO by AMANO, great 3-star hotel located on Sendlinger Straße, easy walking distance to several christmas markets such as the Sendlinger Tor, Pink Xmas at Stephansplatz, and the Christkindlmarkt Marienplatz.
2. Maxvorstadt
Maxvorstadt is a fantastic choice if you appreciate art, culture, and a budget-friendly area while still being close to the city center and its Christmas markets.
Maxvorstadt is often referred to as Munich’s “Academic District” and is home to several world-class museums such as the Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek, and Pinakothek der Moderne.
Maxvorstadt is also known for its leafy streets, cafes, and a vibrant student population due to the presence of several prestigious universities such as Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität and Technical University of Munich.
Maxvorstadt also boasts historical sites and architectural gems, such as the Siegestor (Victory Gate), St. Boniface’s Abbey, and the Königsplatz. Exploring these sites can be a delightful part of your Munich visit.
Best places to stay in Munich in Maxvorstadt for Christmas Markets:
- Luxury ($$$): Rocco Forte The Charles Hotel, great 5-star hotel, offering views of the Old Botanical Garden, featuring Superb breakfast and easy access to public transportation to visit christmas markets and major attractions in the city.
- Mid-range ($$): AdvaStay by KING’s, great 4-star accommodation conveniently located in Maxvorstadt in the heart of Munich, within walking distance from the Main Station, Karlsplatz (Stachus), and Pinakothek der Moderne.
- Budget ($): Hotel Hauser an der Universität, great 3-star hotel, short walk from several U-bahn, tram, and bus stations, great base to explore the Christmas markets in Munich. Nearby markets are the Middle Ages Market at Wittelsbacherplatz and the Chinese Tower Christmas Market.
3. Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt
Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt is a lively district located just south of the city center. It is often referred to as a single district, although it is technically two adjoining districts: Ludwigsvorstadt and Isarvorstadt.
Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt is not far from the city center, which means you can easily reach the central Christmas markets by walking or using public transportation. This area also hosts the Pink Xmas at Stephansplatz and Christmas Market at the Sendlinger Tor.
This district is home to Theresienwiese, where Munich’s famous Oktoberfest takes place. During the Christmas season, this area often hosts its own Christmas market, providing a unique and festive experience.
Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt has a vibrant and diverse atmosphere with a mix of modern and historic elements. It’s known for its multicultural and dynamic scene, with numerous restaurants, bars, and clubs.
While it’s close to the city center, you may find more budget-friendly accommodation options in this district compared to the very central areas like Altstadt-Lehel.
Aside from the Christmas markets, you can explore nearby attractions like the Gasteig cultural center, Gärtnerplatz, Deutsches Museum, and the beautiful riverside walk along the Isar River.
You can also explore Glockenbachviertel which is a part of Isarvorstadt and is known for its lively LGBTQ+ scene, unique boutiques, and artistic vibe.
Best places to stay in Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt for Christmas Markets:
- Luxury ($$$): Sofitel Munich Bayerpost, 5-star hotel located in Ludwigsvorstadt, just a few steps from Munich Main Station, offering direct S-Bahn to the Airport. It is also close to the Karlsplatz/ Stachus pedestrian shopping area and the Theresienwiese, the ground of Oktoberfest Festival.
- Mid-range ($$): Cocoon Sendlinger Tor, great 4-star hotel located within walking distance from Pink Xmas at Stephansplatz and the Sendlinger Tor Christmas Market. It has good tram and underground train links to other parts of Munich.
- Budget ($): Lizz Hotel Munich, a great value for money hotel centrally located with easy access to U-bahn, bus, tram, making it a great base in Munich not only for christmas markets but also for sightseeing and for Oktoberfest Beer Festival.
4. Au-Haidhausen
Au-Haidhausen is a great area to stay in Munich if you prefer a more peaceful and residential atmosphere while still being close to the central Christmas markets and the heart of Munich.
While it’s not in the very heart of the city center, Au-Haidhausen is still conveniently located and within easy reach of the central Christmas markets by public transportation or a leisurely walk.
The neighborhood is situated along the Isar River, offering a scenic riverside walk and numerous parks. It can be a delightful place to take leisurely strolls, especially during the festive season.
This neighborhood is a family-friendly area, and it can be an ideal choice if you’re traveling with children, as it offers a quieter environment and easy access to parks and outdoor activities.
Au-Haidhausen also host the Haidhausen Christmas Market at Weißenburger Platz in Munich’s French Quarter. You can enjoy live music, Christmas carols, and a lantern parade on Friday.
Best places to stay in Au-Haidhausen for Christmas Markets:
- Mid-range ($$): JAMS Music Hotel Munich, 4-star hotel, that has a quiet location next to Maximilians Anlagen Park, within walking distance from the city center and the Haidhausen market. Also close to a tram stop, Gasteig Cultural Center, and Deutsches Museum.
- Mid-range ($$): Hilton Munich City, great 4-star accommodation, easy access to Rosenheimer Platz S-Bahn Station for exploring the city and the christmas markets.
- Budget ($): Motel One München – Deutsches Museum, popular 3-star hotel, located in Au-Haidhausen district, a short walk from German Museum and the Haidhausen Christmas Market at Weißenburger Platz. It has underground parking which is a bonus for those who drive
5. Schwabing
Schwabing is known for its artistic and bohemian atmosphere. It’s a hub for creativity and is home to numerous cafes, boutiques, and art galleries, providing a unique and dynamic environment.
While Schwabing is not in the immediate city center, it is still well-connected to the central Christmas markets, which you can reach by public transportation. It also hosts its own markets at Münchner Freiheit.
The expansive English Garden is nearby, providing a beautiful natural setting for a leisurely walk or outdoor activities during the holiday season. It hosts the Christmas Market at the Chinese Tower.
Best places to stay in Munich in Schwabing for Christmas Markets:
- Luxury ($$$): Andaz Munich Schwabinger Tor, 5-star hotel located on Leopoldstrasse in Schwabing-Freimann, very close to Schwabinger Tor, Olympic Stadium, and the English Garden. You can find tram stops near to explore the city and its Christmas markets.
- Mid-range ($$): HOtello Schwabing, great 4-star hotel, easy walk from Münchner Freiheit and Giselastraße stations for direct trains to Christkindlmarkt Marienplatz. You’ll also be a short distance from Schwabing Christmas Market at Münchner Freiheit.
- Budget ($): Hotel Leopold, 3-star hotel, easy access to public transportation, offering Fabulous breakfast and Private parking for those who drive.
In conclusion, Altstadt-Lehel/Old Town, Maxvorstadt, Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt, Au-Haidhausen, and Schwabing are the best places to stay in Munich for Christmas Markets. They offer plenty of choices in accommodations and easy access to all christmas markets both on foot and by public transportation.
You can continue reading about Munich and other destinations in Germany in these articles:
- Best places to stay in Munich for first-time visitors
- Best areas to stay in Berlin for Christmas Markets
- Best areas to Stay in Cologne for Christmas Markets
- Best areas to stay in Frankfurt for Christmas Markets
- Best places to Stay in Nuremberg for Christmas Markets
I hope you enjoyed my article and find it informative and helpful. If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create more quality travel guides.